Tarun Khanna: Playing Mahadev over 450 times has been a deeply transformative journey

Having portrayed Lord Shiva over 450 times on stage, Tarun Khanna has built a deep and evolving connection with the character. Known for playing Mahadev across television shows such as Karmaphal Daata Shani, RadhaKrishn, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki, Devi Adi Parashakti, Santoshi Maa, and Paramavatar Shri Krishna, as well as in the Telugu film Akhanda 2, the actor continues to embody the role in the theatre production Hamare Ram.

Reflecting on the experience, he says, “I have played Mahadev more than 450 times on stage, and it has changed me as a person. I have become more patient, and a sense of kindness that was once dormant has resurfaced. With every performance, the experience only deepens. I feel grateful that, as an actor, I am able to connect with so many people.”



Speaking about the demands of theatre, he adds, “We perform Hamare Ram every weekend, sometimes twice a week. Once the show begins, there is no time for preparation. I am the first to go on stage, and I perform the entire Tandav in one go. On days with multiple shows, I repeat it several times, which is physically demanding.”

Despite having performed the role countless times, the pressure and responsibility of portraying a divine figure remain constant. He shares, “It is a blessing that I have been chosen to portray this character, but I never take it for granted. I still feel nervous before every performance, and that nervousness keeps me alert. The biggest challenge is to portray the grace and aura of Shiv ji without any flaw. Even a small imperfection can affect how the portrayal of Lord Shiva is perceived, and that is something I am very mindful of.”

He also highlights the difference between stage and television. He says, “Both mediums have their own demands. On stage, you perform once in front of a live audience, often more than 2,000 people, which brings its own pressure and satisfaction. Television, on the other hand, involves long shooting hours. Wearing the costume and wig for extended periods can be physically taxing, and scenes are often spread across multiple days. Personally, I find theatre more fulfilling.”